Dar es Salaam. As the CAF interclub competitions heat up this weekend, Tanzania’s four representatives Yanga SC, Simba SC, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars have all left the country, carrying the nation’s hopes on their shoulders in pursuit of group-stage qualification.
On Thursday morning, Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam was a hive of activity as Yanga and Simba departed just three hours apart for their crucial CAF Champions League second-round first legs.
Yanga flew out at 7:00 a.m. to Malawi for their clash against Silver Strikers, while Simba followed at 10:00 a.m., heading to Eswatini via South Africa for their tie against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Earlier in the week, Azam FC had already jetted off to Zanzibar on Monday to face KMKM in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Singida Black Stars were set to fly to Burundi today (Friday) ahead of their encounter with Flambeau du Centre FC.
The quartet represents Mainland Tanzania on the continental stage, each side determined to return home with favourable results before hosting the decisive second legs.
Fixtures are lined up as follows:
October 18, 2025: Silver Strikers vs Yanga SC (Lilongwe, 4:00 p.m. EAT)
October 18, 2025: KMKM vs Azam FC (New Amaan Complex, Zanzibar, 4:15 p.m. EAT)
October 19, 2025: Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Simba SC (Somhlolo Stadium, Eswatini, 4:00 p.m. EAT)
October 19, 2025: Flambeau du Centre vs Singida Black Stars (Intwari Stadium, Burundi, 4:00 p.m. EAT)
Mabedi Returns Home With Purpose
Before Yanga’s departure, Assistant Coach Patrick Mabedi, a Malawian national recently appointed on October 13, 2025, expressed confidence as he prepared to lead his side back to his homeland.
“This match means a lot to me I’m returning home, but for business,” said Mabedi.
“Silver Strikers are a good side, but we’re here to perform, to compete, and to qualify. I know many of their players some I coached with the Malawi national team and others from the U-20s. That familiarity is an advantage, but we must stay focused and fight for a result.”
Yanga, who remain unbeaten this season (four wins and one draw), face a Silver Strikers team that hasn’t tasted victory in their last three outings. Still, Mabedi insists there’s no room for complacency:
“Sometimes teams that struggle locally rise up against big opponents. Yanga is a massive club that means every opponent brings extra intensity.”
Silver Strikers reached this stage by eliminating Elgeco Plus of Madagascar on away goals (1–1 and 0–0), while Yanga have been camping at the four-star President Hotel in Lilongwe for final preparations.
A club official confirmed: “We’ve provided a calm environment for the players — familiar weather, good food, short travel distances. Everything is in place for the team to deliver.”
Pantev Confident Despite Key Absences
Simba’s General Manager Dimitar Pantev revealed his side’s readiness ahead of their trip to Eswatini:
“The team is prepared both mentally and physically. We know our objective to win away from home. We’ll fine-tune a few tactical areas, but overall, the squad looks solid.”
However, Simba will be without two key players, goalkeeper Moussa Camara and midfielder Mohamed Bajaber, both ruled out through injury.
“Bajaber is still recovering, and we don’t want to risk him,” Pantev explained. “Camara picked up a knock, so Yakoub Suleiman will start in goal. He’s reliable and already kept a clean sheet against Namungo earlier this season.”
Simba’s tactical approach will emphasize ball possession, composure, and sharper attacking execution, with Pantev and assistant coach Seleman Matola working closely to polish the final third.
Their opponents, Nsingizini Hotspurs, advanced after eliminating Simba Bhora of Zimbabwe on penalties (4–2), setting up a fiery clash in Mbabane.
Ibenge’s Men Alert for KMKM Test
In Zanzibar, Azam FC are taking no chances as they prepare to face local side KMKM in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Head coach Florent Ibenge, a proven CAF tactician, emphasized focus and respect: “There’s no easy game in Africa. Any team that reaches this stage has quality. KMKM are technically disciplined and play with great spirit, especially at home. We must stay sharp.”
The team has been camping at Hotel Verde, training at nearby New Amaan Complex facilities.
Azam’s Media Officer Hasheem Ibwe echoed his coach’s words: “We respect KMKM. They’ve earned their place here, and we expect a tough match.”
The two sides are no strangers in the 2021 Kagame Cup, KMKM beat Azam twice (3–2 in the group stage and 1–0 in the third-place playoff).
Azam, however, arrive with momentum after comfortably dispatching Al Merreikh Bentiu of South Sudan (4–0 aggregate).
KMKM reached this stage by defeating AS Ports of Djibouti (4–2 on aggregate).
Gamondi’s Young Guns on a Mission
For Singida Black Stars, this weekend marks a historic journey their first-ever shot at CAF group-stage qualification.
After eliminating Rayon Sports (3–1 aggregate), they now face Flambeau du Centre of Burundi.
Club spokesman Hussein Masanza confirmed: “We depart Friday with 26 players. Coach Miguel Gamondi is demanding full focus and intensity — no chances, no complacency.”
Flambeau du Centre are relatively seasoned on the continental stage, having appeared in the 2022 CAF Champions League, where they were eliminated by Zamalek (6–1 aggregate). They reached this round after ousting Al Akhdar SC of Libya (4–3 aggregate).
